The Royal Rumble is the WWE's annual tree of activities that each year spawns branches of storylines, feuds and upstarts.

This year will be no different, with the WWE Royal Rumble serving as a 30-man tool of storyline development.

The Royal Rumble watch list is a group of WWE superstars who figure to be highlighted in some fashion in the most important battle royal of the year. Some have potential to break long-standing records. Others could win it all. All of them should be watched.

5. Bo Dallas

From WWE.com

Born Taylor Rotunda, the son of Mike Rotunda will get his first taste of the WWE pay-per-view spotlight Sunday in WWE's Royal Rumble.

Bo Dallas has been utilized in dark matches in WWE live tours, and has received rave reviews internally. His first impression will be very important, and the second-generation star will figure to give the Phoenix crowd a fresh, unique batch of offense.

4. Randy Orton

From WWE.com

Surprisingly enough, Randy Orton finds himself in a dark-horse role in terms of winning the Royal Rumble. There have been whispers of Randy Orton and Sheamus locking horns at WrestleMania for the World heavyweight championship.

The road to a potential Orton-Sheamus showdown could begin at the Royal Rumble should Orton become victorious. The surprise win could be equipped with a heel turn.

2. Ryback

From WWE.com

Ryback's monster babyface mannerisms make him the ideal candidate to have the most eliminations in the Royal Rumble.

Ryback will have the chance to flirt with Kane's record elimination number that has lasted for over a decade. This potentially history-making occurrence is expected to be sullied by the Shield, who will need something to do since they are banned from ringside during Punk vs. Rock.